PPT Slide

27

• If an electron has both particle and wave properties, its position in  an atom can’t be readily determined.

• The uncertainty principle is expressed mathematically as:

_x is the uncertainty in position.

_u is the uncertainty in velocity.

• We cannot prescribe exact paths for electrons, such as the circular  orbits of Bohr’s model.

• At best, the probability of finding an electron in a given volume of  space can be determined.

Concept 7-7. The meaning of the uncertainty principle and how it limits our knowledge of electron properties

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version

27